Assistance Mapping and Protection Concerns for Migrants Across the Gallabat–Metema Border

Historically and prior to the Sudan conflict which erupted in April 2023, the Gedaref region was well known due to its location and reputation as the Sudan’s “bread basket” and, subsequently, as host to numerous complex migration routes. The frequency with which the Metema, Ethiopia border crossing is used has enabled towns to survive specifically on migration flows. Metema, in particular, grew in size and resources in order to cater to the needs of the migrant population.

The report provides an overview of the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by migrants in the Gallabat–Metema border area prior to the aforementioned conflict. Linkages between assistance actors that facilitated referral mechanisms for vulnerable cases between the Migrant Resource (and Response) Centres in the towns of Metema and Gedaref are also explored. The report also looks at the pre-war referral capacities and coordination mechanisms with key governmental authorities and stakeholders that existed around this border-crossing point.

In view of this aim, the specific objectives of the document are to: (a) map pre-conflict service providers for migrants in the Gallabat–Metema border area; (b) identify the vulnerabilities of cross-border and seasonal labour migrants, based on information provided by respondents who passed through the area in 2022; and (c) develop standard operating procedures for migrant referral mechanisms for the Migrant Resource (and Response) Centres operating in the area.

The report delivers findings that are likely to be applicable to seasonal labour migrants beyond the location of interest and reveals trends in migrant population movements other than those passing through this particular border crossing. In this way, the findings may be widely useful to actors supporting migrants in the broader East and Horn of Africa region. Additionally, in locations where recovery is possible, the report can serve as a guide of lessons learned and best practices to rebuild robust migrant support services along the Sudan–Ethiopia border.